The creation of Gay and Lesbian theatre occurred as a offshoot of the sexual liberation movement during the 1960s. Although queer actors and characters as well as elements of drag had always been present in theatre, it wasn't until this time period that gay theatre really became it's own category. The most important play that really cemented the importance of gay and lesbian theatre in the field was "the Boys in the Band." This was one of the first times that the gay experience was captured on stage and exposed an audience to these issues. The mainstream went on to accept other queer themed plays like Bent. Theatre provided a safe space for LGBT issues to be conveyed and for the community to rally. This especially occurred during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s when so much of the gay community was deeply affected by the situation. Plays like the Normal Heart and Angels in America captured the experiences of the gay community at the time.